​A safe, social space to walk, talk and reconnect

​Join ICI for our next ICI Walk ’n’ Talk, for a beautiful stretch of the Thames Path as we take on this classic riverside walk in reverse!

We are setting off from the world-famous rowing town of Henley-on-Thames and following the river eastwards through historic towns, locks, and lush Chiltern countryside towards Marlow and Bourne End.

​🗺️ ABOUT THIS WALK

​This flat, easy-going route follows a quintessentially English stretch of the River Thames. We will start in Henley, pass iconic landmarks along the river, and make our way to the Georgian town of Marlow.

​Depending on group pace and time, walkers can wrap up in Marlow or continue the final scenic stretch along the water to Bourne End.

​👀 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

​🌊 The famous Henley Royal Regatta course and historic Temple Island

​🌾 Historic Hambleden Lock, wooden footbridges, and peaceful water meadows

​🏡 Passing through the idyllic village of Hurley and historic priory grounds

​🌉 Crossing the iconic 19th century Marlow Suspension Bridge

​📚 Exploring Georgian Marlow, historic home of poets Percy Shelley and T.S. Eliot

​🌳 Stunning views across the wooded hills of the Chilterns

​🚶‍♂️ WALK DETAILS 🚶‍♀️

​📍 Route: Henley-on-Thames → Hambleden Lock → Hurley → Marlow → Bourne End (Time Dependent)

​📅 Date: Sunday 9th August 2026

​🕚 Meet: 11:15 am, London Paddington Station (Under the main clock)

​🚆 Travel: 11:38 am train from Paddington to Twyford, changing for Henley-on-Thames

​🏁 Finish Options: Marlow Station (approx. 14 km 8.7 miles) or Bourne End Station (approx. 18 km 11 miles)

​⏱️ Duration: Approx. 3.5 to 5 hours walking plus breaks

​💪 Fitness: Easy to moderate pace along flat terrain, suitable for all

​🐾 Dogs: Welcome!

​🆓 Cost: Free event, everyone welcome

​

​🥪 LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS

​We will stop for a picnic lunch along the riverbanks in Henley on Thames. Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. There will also be opportunities to grab supplies in Henley before we set off for the walk proper.

​🎟️ TICKETS & TRAVEL

• ​Contactless: You can use your contactless bank card or phone to tap in and out at both ends of the journey.

• ​Railcards: If you hold a Youth, Senior, or Disabled Person’s Railcard, please purchase your tickets in advance via an app (like GWR or Trainline) to ensure you receive your discount. Tapping at the gate will charge the full fare.

​🌳 WHAT IS ICI WALK ‘N’ TALK?

​A free, monthly walking group for Gay, Bi, Trans, Pan & Queer men across London – plus allies, mates & furry friends 🐾

​Launched in September 2023 in memory of David Yan, Walk ‘n’ Talk is all about exploring nature while building real, meaningful connection in a safe, supportive space.

​💖 MORE THAN JUST A WALK
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Mental Health First Aiders on hand
🕊️ Honouring David’s love for the outdoors & his ICI legacy
🤝 Whether you chat, listen, or simply walk – your presence matters

​💬 You Are Not Alone
We walk to remind each other that you’re never alone – there’s a community here that sees you, supports you, and walks beside you.

​✨ WHAT TO EXPECT

​🧠 Easygoing, feel-good walks
🌿 Scenic city routes & occasional countryside escapes
🧺 Chill picnic spots or meet-ups before we start
🗣️ Chat, reflect or just vibe – it’s your space
🍻 Optional post-walk drinks to wind down

​🧡 INCLUSIVITY & VIBES
🌈 Everyone’s welcome – GBTQ+ men, allies, first-timers, solo walkers, groups, & dogs too!
🎟️ FREE for all – just register via the ICI website (link in bio)
🏷️ Name badges for everyone – no one walks alone
💬 No pressure to talk – but always someone to walk with if you’d like

​🎒 WHAT TO BRING

​✅ All-weather walk – rain or shine
💧 Water – it’s a walk, stay hydrated!
🍬 Sweets or snacks – keep your sugar levels up
🧢 Hat, sunscreen & layers – we walk in all weather
🥾 Comfy shoes – we keep a chill pace, but it’s still a walk
📱 Your phone – for live location sharing if you’re joining en route

​🥾 WALK ‘n’ TALK: WhatsApp Group for On-the-Day Updates

​While all event info and tickets still go through Luma, the Walk ‘n’ Talk events will continue using its dedicated WhatsApp group for real-time coordination on the day.

​Join the dedicated ICI Walk n Talk WhatsApp for:
💬 Route updates, live location, and meet-up support ✅ Joining midway? Ping us in the group ❌ Running late? Just drop a message — no DMs please

​✅ Download “Luma: Delightful Events” on the App Store or Google Play

​We now use the Luma app to manage bookings, updates, and check-ins.

​Once you register, you’ll be automatically added to the event chat, where you’ll receive all reminders and info before the walk.

​Follow the “What’s On” WhatsApp Channel for ICI updates:

• ​View Only - 🔔 Safe to turn on Notifications

• ​ICI-run events only

• ​Final ticket reminders

• ​Important announcements

​💬 Want to chat with others?

​Join the ICI WhatsApp London Group Chat here for casual conversation and community check-ins.

• ​Gigs, festivals, and concerts

• ​Classifieds + recommendations

• ​General chat + member posts

• ​Your own event shoutouts!

​It’s a great way to stay connected with the wider ICI community outside of specific events.